Crispy Zucchini Fries Ranch (Printable Version)
Golden zucchini sticks baked crisp and served with a creamy herb dip for a light, flavorful bite.
# What You'll Need:
→ Zucchini Fries
01 - 2 medium zucchini
02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
→ Ranch Dip
10 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
11 - 1/2 cup sour cream
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
13 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
14 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
15 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
16 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
17 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Set oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - Slice zucchini into 1/2-inch thick sticks resembling fries.
03 - Combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.
04 - Place flour in a separate bowl and beat eggs until smooth in another bowl.
05 - Dredge each zucchini stick in flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture.
06 - Place coated zucchini in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
07 - Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl; refrigerate until serving.
08 - Serve zucchini fries warm alongside the chilled ranch dip.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They deliver that deep fried crunch without the oil splatter or greasy aftermath.
- The homemade ranch tastes nothing like the packet version and becomes the kind of dip you find yourself licking off your fingers.
02 -
- Don't skip flipping halfway through—it's the difference between crispy all over and soft on one side.
- A light spray of cooking oil on top before baking amplifies that fried texture without the actual frying.
03 -
- Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels before slicing—any surface moisture weakens the coating's grip and prevents browning.
- If your fries finish baking but the ranch isn't quite ready, slide them onto a warm plate and they'll hold their crispness for a few minutes without getting soggy.